Seven virtues displayed by China in business negotiation

Chinese businesses are all over the world. The business invasion of China is so ubiquitous that western marketing machine has been put on back foot meekly defending the China Avalanche. What is the driving force behind this phenomenal success?

The answer can be found in Taoism, taught by Lao Tzu who lived somewhere in the fifth century B.C., in China. Taoism teaches the concept of “Flow” as the driving philosophy and charts the connection between nature and human society that helps Chinese businesses to do well in their deal making.

The Flow philosophy is anchored upon two prongs. One is connectivity and continuity between nature and humans. Two, is the rhythmic movement of “Flow” that is always in the state of flux, making everything to move, reverse and finally come to the position of normality. This Flow is festooned with number of virtues out of which seven are noteworthy. Every business strategist must know how these seven virtues are applied in business negotiation:

1. Compromising with business partners rather than reverting to force and foul play

2. Understanding the nature of business and go with it rather than giving weight to own dreams and desires

3. Being passive in response to provocation rather than be active and respond in kind

4. Suggesting indirect ways of taking business negotiation forward rather than directly giving a flat or blunt answer. For example, Yes by Chinese counterpart can mean anything including yes, no, yes but and no yet”

5. Promoting good spirit in dealing with business partners rather than demoting their culture or nuances of conducting business deals

6. Reacting to what the other party says and does in business deal making rather than pro acting with show-off and intimidation

7. Finally, using hidden persuasive techniques in clinching deals rather the making everything ostensible such as threats of walking away or busting business negotiation!

 

Cheers!

 

Muthu Ashraff Rajulu

Business Strategist

Mobile: + 94 777 265677

E-mail:   cosmicgems@gmail.com

Blog:   Business Strategist